Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, May 14: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has issued notices to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the J&K Government for failing to protect a high-density apple orchard in district Budgam during the construction of a road project last year.
The orchard, spanning over 6 kanals of land and owned by a local farmer, was severely damaged due to massive waterlogging caused by the blockage of drainage channels around the land, according to the applicant before the NGT.
The damage occurred after the construction company filled the area with earth for the highway and flyover construction.
A notice has also been issued to the private construction company-NKC Projects Private Limited-involved in the project.
In the original application, the applicant-Ghulam Nabi Bhat, a resident of Batpora-Wathoora, Tehsil Chadoora, district Budgam-raised the issue before the NGT through his counsel, Advocate Saurabh Sharma.
He alleged that his orchard and agricultural land suffered extensive damage due to waterlogging resulting from the choking of a wastewater drain during the flyover construction.
Advocate Sharma argued before the NGT bench, comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, Expert Member, that the waterlogging led to flooding and damage to approximately 6.5 kanals of orchard and agricultural land.
In his petition, Bhat alleged that the respondents-NHAI and NKC Projects Pvt. Ltd.-were engaged in constructing the Srinagar Ring Road flyover bridge near his land.
Due to the choked drainage system, flooding persisted for over a month, causing massive damage to around 500 high-density apple trees aged between 7 and 8 years.
The petitioner prayed for remedial/restoration measures and compensation for the damage caused. He also requested the impleadment of the Horticulture Department as a party, which was accepted by the NGT.
The NGT order issued in this regard on May 8, 2025, states: “Issue notice in Original Application (OA) and Interim Application (IA) No. 350/2025 to the respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit before the Tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing through e-filing. The Applicant is directed to serve the respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing.”
The case has been listed for the next hearing before the National Green Tribunal on September 15, 2025.
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